Scaffold bracket



April 30, 1957 G. H; SPRINKEL 2,790,684

SCFFOLD BRACKET Filed Feb. 23. 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l l l l s l f A TTORNEYS United States Patent SCAFFOLD BRACKET George H. Sprnkel, Portland, Greg.

Application February 25, 19,54, Serial No. 411,7 97

Claims. (Cl. S04-.3.9)

This invention relates to platform brackets adapted to be detachably connected to scaffolding framework, and particularly to such a platform bracket which, cooperating with one or more similar brackets, is designed tolsupport a vlorkrnens platform at one level and a materials` plat.- form at a= higher, offset, but adjacent level.

Heretofore, scaftolds including upper and lower platforms of the type mentioned above have been complicated and expensive and for the main part have been extremely specialized structures not fit for general use. This is Apartioularlyso where the arrangement `is such that the platformsare arranged to be adjusted in unison. Besides, the disadvantages above mentioned, these prior scatfoldshave ieguired the services of several or morel workmen `in setting up the platforms on the scaffolding framework and have in ,mosty instances required the use of toolsy for snch setting up operations, Furthermore, it has not been lpossible with prior scaffolds incorporating such platforms for a single workman to adjust the level of the platforms.

It is a ,main object of the present invention to provide an extremelvrsimple platform bracket which haeupper and lower platform supporting arms vand is designed to be applied .to conventional scaffolding framework without modification thereof. l

Ii isa further object of `the present invention to provide a piatformr bracket of the type just ydescribed designed to beapplied` to conventional lscaffolding framework by a sing-leiworkman without requiring the use of 4tools, .which bracketlmay be readily adjusted along the scaffolding framework by a single workman with the aid of only a simple, conventional elevating mechanism.

More particularly, it is lan ivportant object of `the present invention to provide a platform bracket designed to support platforms at two levels and to beapplied to one Ileg of a framework section and4 tov be supported on horizontal bracing extending from such leg-` A still further object of the present invention is to provide a platform bracket of the type indicated above pro: vided'with leg straddling portions adapted tol be, directly applied to a scaffold leg by moving the bracket against theleg fr orn a lateral direction, which bracket includes latch/means operable to `thereafter retain the bracket' in sliding guided relationto said leg and to rest on horizontalorbra'cing extending from the leg to support-thebracket fromlsuchbracinvg.

Al further particular object of the present invention is toprovidea platform bracket of thetype indicated in the above-paragraph having upper and lower latches operable to beautomatically tripped out of the way by horizontal bracing when the'bracket is elevated, and then returnuto retaining andsupporting positions behind the leg, wherein thelatches are spaced apartrardistance different from that of' any two upper and lower horizontal braces on the leg, so that one latch will be maintained in its retaining position, during the time that the other latch is lbeing trippedzout of the way by engagement with horizontal bracing. i "Qther, objects ofk the invention include the provision rtfice of a platform bracket adapted to beapplied to ay scaffold leg and including a lower platform supportingarm pro jecting away from the leg and at least4 one, andpreferably two, upper platform supporting yarmsprojecting lin the opposite direction from the lowerarm and being spaced to ,pass by and straddle thevscaiold leg, and operable to support theV adjacent ends of two .platform sections.

Various other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptiontakenin connection. with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

l Fig. 1 is a View in side elevation of va platformbracket embodying the concepts of the present invention mounted on a scaffold leg structure, which is shown in phantom lines for convenience in illustration;

Fig. 2 is a View of the platform bracket taken inV the direction of the arrows 2 2 in Fig. l, parts being L-broken away for convenience in illustration; l

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the bracketk disclosed in Eig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing, the manner of mounting a latch; t

5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation, taken inthe direction of the arrows 5 -15V in ily-iig. 2; i

' Fig 6 isa fragmentary sectional view takenviutthe direction of the arrows 6-6 in Fig, 1, showing: thegunder.- side of the upper portion .of a platform bracket;

Fig. 7 is a. fragmentary sectional viw taken alongline 7-7ofFig.3; i

,Fig 8 is a front elevational view ofscatfolding framework having upper and lowerplatf or r ris sup" edby brackets 0f the presentV invention; i Y

Fig.v9 Ais a plan view of the arrangementdisclosedin Fig. 8, showing in addition the locationof a vwall Iunder construction next to the scaffold; and 'I v Fig.y 10v is an end view of thearrangement disclosed .in Fig. 9.

Referring to the accompanying drawingswherein simv ilar reference characters designate similar, parts throughont, 1there is disclosed in Fig. 1 a platformlbraoketfgenf erally Vvindicated at A, l embodying the' concepts Aoffthe presentinvention, mounted on oneflegof a sc atold framework unit generally indicated at VB, forming part of a conventional open scaffolding frameworhas willhe discussed hereinafter. For the present, suce it to saythat 1 1nit B includes a leg 11k having horizontal b Iac'eSfIS, 15 and 17 projecting rearwardly therefrom, or tothe left as the parts are depicted in Fig. l. Conventionally-the leg and the braces comprise tubular sectionsl suitably welded or otherwise rigidly joined together. f

The platform bracket A is adaptedjto bedirectly applied Yto the leg, 11 by moving the bracket while in its Y upright position laterally or` horizontally toward `the leg.

s the parts are depicted in Fig. l.

To this end, platform bracket A includes an.v upright channel 19 dimensioned to t in straddlingfrelationlengthf wise of leg 11, and against the outer faceof leg 11 as To retain the channel in ksuch straddling relationship, and yet permit it to be slidably moved alongleg 11 for purposes of vertical adjustment, as will bejmorofully detailed hereinafter, the channel carries upper andlower latches 7,1V and 23.,disposed behind the leg }11-. Each latch, in the particular embodiment of the'A invention shown, comprises Ia rectangular plate pivotedatfZS. to swing downwardly from and upwardly to a horizontal position behind the leg 11. Each pivot ZSfis carried bya lug 27 Vrigid with a plate 29 secured .to theexterior of a flange of Ichannel i9, said plate being notched at 3'1 to accommodate the `associated latch. Qpposite the plate 29 is a companion plate 33 welded-.to the feX.- tepiorof the other flange of channel19 and beingfformed with a ydownwardlyopening notch 35, k'see 'Fi'g. 5, arranged Itoreceive the end portion of the associated latch.

The walls of notches 31 and 35 retain `the latch from displacement against forces applied thereto tending to dislodge the channel 19 from the leg 11. Furthermore, each latch, when in its operative position, will bear against `the end walls of the notches and thus enable the channel 19 to be supported from a horizontal brace-'latch 23 being shown in load supporting position relative to brace 15 in Fig. l.

` A tension spring 37 is provided for each latch and each tension spring is hooked `through appropriate openings formed in its latch and the channel to be under tension and to urge its latch to assume its horizontal operative position. The opening in the latch is formed generally beneath pivot 25 of the latch, see Fig. 2.

By reference to Fig. 1, it is apparent that when channel 19 is moved upwardly along leg 11, each latch will be tripped `downwardly upon engagement with a horizontal brace and thus pass by the brace, and thereafter the associated, spring will cause it to snap back to its operative position where it may -rest upon the brace it has just passed and support the `channel and thus the bracket from such brace.

'It is pointed out that latches 21 and 23 are spaced apart a distance different than. `that of any two horizontal braces of the leg on which it is mounted, so that wheneverone latch is being tripped downwardly during upward` sliding movement of channel 19, the other latch 1 will remain in its operative position to retain the channel,` and therefore the bracket, in a sliding guided relationship with respect to leg 11, and thus prevent separation of the bracket from the leg during elevation of the bracket.

" An important feature of the present invention is the provisionon channel 19 of upper and lower platform supporting arms, whereby the lower arm may, in cooperation with the lowerarms of similar brackets, support a workmens platform, and the upper arm or arms may, in `cooperation with the upper arms of similar brackets,`sup`port a materials platform, upon which may be. placed mortar, brick and the like. Fig. makes apparent the general relationship of such upper and lower platforms to a wall under construction. Such upper `and lower platforms, adapted to be vertically adjustable in unison, are 'broadly old, lthe novel feature of `the `present invention, concerning the provision of such `platformsylying in the unique construction of a simple, inexpensive bracket for supporting such platforms Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, channel 19 has a lower platform arm 43, which is an angle shaped member in the particular embodiment of the invention shown, but it is evident that it could have other cross sectional shapes. Arm 43 is rigidly secured, such as by Welding, at its inner end to the outer face of the web of channel 19 'at a place spaced above the lower end ofsaid' channel. Thus, it may be said that the lower platform supporting arm 43 projects in a direction away from leg. 11 of the scaffolding framework. A diagonal angle member brace 45 is welded at its opposite ends to thelower endof channel 19 and to the lower arm 43 adjacent the outboard end thereof. Arm 43 is adapted to support, in cooperation with the lower arms of similar brackets, a workmens platform, which may comprise planking, or equivalent members, such platform being generally indicated by the letter C in Fig. 1. A -retaining or. Istop` lug 49 is provided at and projects upwardly from the outboard end of lower arm 43 to retain theworkmens platform in place on the lower arm against outward horizontal dislodgement.

Channel 19 carries at its upper end two upper platform Supporting arms 51 and 53, which project at right angles inwardly into the scaffolding framework in the opposite direction from that which lower arm 43'projects, said upper arms being laterally spaced to straddle leg 11, are parallelto one another `and disposed at the same level. It is apparent from the above description that each upper arm is offset laterally with respect to the length of the channel member 19 so as to pass by leg 11.

More particularly, each upper arm comprises a downwardly facing channel, compare Figs. 2 and 6, engaging the outer faces of the ilanges of channel 19 and being welded thereto. Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, the outer flange of each upper arm projects at its inboard end beyond channel 19 and is rabbeted to accommodate the upper flange of an angle piece 57 which extends along the back ofthe web of channel 19 and along the inboard ends of upper 4arms 51 and 53 and is welded to the channel and to said inboard ends. Thus, the upper arms are rigidly secured to channel 19 at the upper end ofthe channel.

A diagonal angle member brace 61 is provided for each upper a-rm and is welded to the outer face of the inner flange of each upper arm adjacent the outer end thereof, see Fig. 2, and to the outer face of the associated liange of channel 19. `It is apparent from Fig. 1 that braces 61 extend downwardly at a greater angle than does brace 45. This arrangement permits the Workmens platform C to be arranged closely adjacent ground level at the commencement of the construction of a wall.

The upper arms 51 and 53 are adapted, in cooperation with the upper arms -of .similar brackets, to support a materials platform, generally indicated by the letter D, about which more will be presently explained. Platform retaining or abutment lugs are provided along the upper faces of the upper arms at the opposite ends thereof, and similar lugs 77 are provided on said upper Ifaces along the inner edges thereof.

A detailed explanation of the construction of a platform bracket embodying the concepts of the present invention has heretofore been given, and now the manner in which the platform bracket will normally be used will be set forth. Referring particularly to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, there is disclosed a scaffolding framework of conventional construction including a plurality of upright, parallel, laterally aligned, generally rectangular scaffolding framework units indicated in each instance by `the letter B. Each upright unit is connected to the adjacent unit by detachable cross bracing 81, the ends of the bracing conventionally being detachably connected to the rear or inner faces of the scaffolding legs. Each scaffolding unit is conventionally made up of a plurality of superimposed sections which have portions of their legs telescoping one within the other to provide a substantially rigid unit.

60 Three of such sections are shown in Fig. 10 and are indicated by the reference numerals 83, and 87. Each section has the horizontal braces 13, 15 and 17 thereof connected at their inner ends by a generally vertically extending brace 89, the opposed braces 89 associated with the two legs of a section being joined by horizontal brace 91. Such sections are disclosed for instance in the patent to Boedecker, 2,569,653.

The scaffolding framework will be erected along a wall line, and Fig. 10 shows the general relationship of a scaffolding framework, of the type above described, arranged next to and in spaced relation to a partially completed wall 95. After the scaffolding Aframework has been erected, a platform bracket A of the present invention will be applied to the left-hand edge of each framework unit B, as the parts are depicted in Fig. 10, and arranged at their lowest levels on such units. The platforms C and D, which conventionally will comprise wooden planks, are then placed on the platform supporting arms of the brackets. For the lower arms, the planks, indicated at 101, 103, and 107, can be merely arranged in overlapping relationship as shown in Fig. 8. However, for the upper arms, the planks, indicated at 111,113, and 117, are specially designed to fit between adjacent framework units, see Fig. 9, and to rest on the adjacent arms of two adjacent platform brackets,

compare Figs. 3 and 9. Thus, there will be no interference lbetween the upper platformplanks .and thebracing, such as 13, 15, 17, .89 and .91, extending 'between the opposite legs of framework u nit. This is particularly important during elevation of the brackets. f

Any suitable means for elevatingthebrackets may be provided and the particular means shownisfvmerely illus- Itrative. To permit ready elevation, the lowerr hook 121 of an elevating mechanism 123. may -be hooked onto the depending ange of member 57, see Fig. 7, and the upper hook 12S hooked Vonto upper bracing, whereafter the operating handle of the -elevating mechanism can be operated to elevatea bracket. A singleworkman may perform this. operation serially on the brackets.

`Although each platform may Ibe arranged `at only one level, Fig.V 8 shows that each platform may be disposed at twozlevels. This is entirely possible with the brackets of the present invention, since the brackets. are independently adjustable and the overlap of the planks on the lower plank `supporting arms is sufficient to preventtheir disengagement during reasonable elevation of oneffbracket relative to the adjacent bracket, and the upper armsare made to have such a width thatthe overlap betweenthe -upper platforms or planks and the upper .arms is suicient to prevent disengagement upon vreasonable elevation'of one bracket relative tonan adjacentbracket. It is pointed out that the elevating mechanism.;ormechanisrnsdonot function to suspend the brackets, since the brackets are designed to be self-supporting on the leg structures of the framework units.

The advantages of the present invention may be summed up as follows: the present invention has provided cxtren ely simple platform bracket for supporting upper and lower platforms. This bracket is designed to -be directly applied to a scaffold leg by swinging the latches 2l and 23 to inoperative positions, the latches thereafter vbeing operative to return to operative positions to retain the bracket in a slided guided relationship on the leg, and also one latch is adapted to rest on a horizontal brace to support the bracket from the leg. The brackets are designed to be applied 'by a single workman without the use lof tools or any sort of hoisting mechanism. It is particularly important to note that a single workman can elevate platforms C and D disclosed in Fig. 8, by adjusting each platform bracket to the desired level in turn, beginning at one end of the scaffold and proceeding to the other. By the provision of upper offset platform supporting arms, the upper platform of planking is so supported as to permit elevation of a scaffold bracket without interference Vbetween the platform planking and any xed bracing connecting and extending between the two legs Vof a framework unit.

lt is pointed out that where the legs of scaffold sections having laterally protruding rivet heads or the like, the channel 19 will be dimensioned to fit the leg with sufficient looseness to permit the channel to slide past such protrusions. lt is further pointed out that the scaffolding framework bracing 31 above the level of the platforms may be simplified to include less pieces, which may be arranged horizontally. This is because the portion of the scaffolding framework above the platforms does not support the platforms. This simplified arrangement makes elevation of the brackets easier and provides -better access to the materials platform. As the brackets are raised, other 'bracing pieces may be added and a cross bracing arrangement provided below the brackets to stably support the brackets and platforms.

Having described the invention in what is considered to be the preferred embodiment thereof, it is desired that it be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific details shown unless they constitute critical features of the present invention, all of which will be apparent by reference to the following claims.

l. claim: v

l. -A platformbracket adaptedto lbe appliedtoa seaf-` fold leg structure of the typeincluding valeg from one side of which projectsV a generally horizontal brace, said bracket comprising an upright channel adapted tofttin. straddling relation lengthwise .against theside of-said' leg opposite theside from which said bracefprojects, at least one platform supporting arm projecting from YsaidY upright channeh a latchelement mounted on one `flange of said channel forswinging movementtoward theA other flange along a path adjacent the side'of saidlegfrom which said brace projects,.said other flange havingrneans providing a downwardlyopening notchfarrangedtoreceive said latch. element'and hold it in agenerally horizontal position against upwardforces, springmeansurging saidV latch element to remain in said notchl whereby AasV said upright channel is moved upwardly along said leg said .latch .element will vvbe tripped vdownwardlyv by `said brace and after passing saidbr'ace willbecaused to-reg sume its position in saidnotch and-may thenreston said brace togsupportA said upright channel.

2. Infcombination with a scaffold' leg structureof` the type having a leg from. one side of which projectgenerally horizontalbi-.accs atdifferent levels, ya platform Vbracket including an upright member arrangedlengthwise ofthe legagainst the side thereof oppositeY the bracesa-ndhavng portionss'traddling said leg, aty leastone platform support.- ingV arm. projectingL from Nsaid Iupright-member, a `pair-of latches pivotally carried by said upright member and disposed next to the side of the leg from which the braces project to retain said upright member in a guided sliding relationship with respect to said leg, means urging said latches to remain in horizontal positions, said latches being disposed at different levels and being spaced apart a distance different from that of any two horizontal braces whereby when the bracket is slid upwardly along said leg, one latch will always be disposed in a retaining position while the other latch is being tripped downwardly by a horizontal brace.

3. A scaffold bracket for appli-cation to scaffolding having a vertical leg from one side of which projects generally horizontal braces spaced along said leg on said one side, said bracket comprising a vertical leg engaging member having a portion for sliding engagement with the side of said leg opposite' the braces and having other portions for straddling said leg in sliding engagement therewith, platform supporting arms extending horizontallyrfrom said leg engaging member, and retaining means carried by said leg engaging member for retaining said bracket on said leg while providing for upward movement of said bracket along said leg and past said braces, said retaining means including a retaining portion arranged to engage the side of the leg from which the braces project to normally retain said members on said leg, said retaining portion being mounted on said member for retracing movement to a nonretaining position for passing a brace upon engagement therewith during upward movement of said member along the leg, and at least one other similar retaining portion similarly mounted and operable to retain said member on said member when the first retaining portion is retracted.

4. A scaffold bracket for application to scaffolding having a vertical leg from one side of which projects generally horizontal braces spaced along said leg on said one side, said bracket comprising a vertical leg engaging member having a portion for sliding engagement with the side of said leg opposite the braces and having other portions for straddling said leg in sliding engagement therewith, platform supporting arms extending horizontally from said leg engaging member, and retaining means carried by said leg engaging member for retaining said bracket on said leg while providing for upward movement of said bracket along said leg and past said braces, said retaining means including a retaining portion arranged to engage the side of the leg from which the braces project to normally retain said members on said leg, said retaining portion beingr mounted on said member for retracing movement to a nonretaining position for passing a brace upon engagement `therewith during upward movement of said member along the leg, and at least one other similar retaining portion similarly mounted and operable to retain said member on said member when the rst retaining portion is retracted, said means including mechanism for normally holding said retaining portions in operative positions but providing for movement of said parts simultaneously to inoperative positions.

5. A scaffold bracket for application to scaiolding having a vertical leg from one side of which projects generally horizontal braces spaced along said leg on said one side, said bracket comprising a vertical leg engaging member having a portion for sliding engagement with the side of said leg opposite the braces and having other portions for straddling said leg in sliding engagement therewith, platform supporting arms extending horizontally from said leg engaging member, said other portions being spaced apart a distance greater than the thickness of said leg to provide for application of said member to or removal of said member vfrom the leg in a direction at right angles to the leg, and retaining means carried by said leg engaging member for retaining said bracket 0n said leg while providing for upward movement of said bracket along said leg and past said braces, said retaining means including a retaining portion arranged to engage the side of the leg from which the braces project to normally retain said members on said leg, said retaining portion being mounted on said member forretracing movement to a nonretaining position for passing a brace upon engagement therewith during upward movement of said member along the leg, and atleast one other similar retaining portion similarly mounted and operable to retain said member on said member when the irst mentioned retaining portion is retracted.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 336,227 Gates Feb. 16, 1886 378,102 Moss Feb. 21, 1888 623,269 Wilber Apr. 18, 1899 651,665 Johns June 12, 1900 1,207,158 Gaffers Dec. 5, 1916 2,064,232 Tepper Dec. 15, 1936 2,191,051 Uecker et al Feb. 20, 1940 2,216,912 Hoitsma Oct. 8, 1940 2,384,939 Lord Sept. 18, 1945' 2,569,653 Boedecker Oct. 2, 1951 2,616,769 Rector Nov. 4, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 664,333 Germany Aug. 25, 1938 

